Matthew 1:5 includes Boaz in Jesus’ genealogy because his life powerfully foreshadows the mission of Christ. As the son of Rahab and the husband of Ruth, Boaz carried forward a story of redemption, faith, and inclusion. His role as a kinsman-redeemer—marrying Ruth to preserve her family line—directly points to Jesus, the ultimate Redeemer who rescues us from sin and restores our place in God’s family. Boaz isn’t just a name on a list; he’s a reminder that God works through people of faith and integrity to bring about His promises.
When I think about Boaz, what strikes me most is how his ordinary acts of kindness and faithfulness became part of the greatest story ever told. He didn’t lead armies or perform miracles—he simply obeyed God, treated people with dignity, and stepped into his responsibility with courage. That challenges me, and maybe you too, to see how God can use everyday faithfulness in powerful ways. Keep reading for a deeper dive into why Boaz’s inclusion matters, how his story points to Jesus, and what lessons you can take for your own walk of faith.
When you open Matthew’s Gospel, you’re met with a genealogy that traces Jesus’ ancestry all the way back to Abraham. Nestled in that list is a name that might surprise you—Boaz. Matthew 1:5 says:
“Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse…” (ESV)
So why is Boaz included in Jesus’ genealogy? On the surface, it might seem like he’s just another link in the chain. But when you know his story, you realize Boaz is much more than a name. He represents loyalty, kindness, and redemption, pointing us straight to Jesus and the heart of the gospel.
1. Boaz as the Son of Rahab
Before we talk about Boaz’s own story, it’s worth noticing his background. Matthew tells us that his mother was Rahab, the woman from Jericho who believed in God and sheltered the spies (Joshua 2). That means Boaz grew up with a family story of grace and redemption.
Rahab’s past as a Canaanite outsider and prostitute could have carried shame, but God turned her life around. Imagine the impact that testimony would’ve had on Boaz as he grew up. He would’ve learned early that God redeems broken people and welcomes outsiders. That perspective shaped the way Boaz later treated Ruth, another outsider.
2. Boaz and Ruth: A Story of Redemption
The book of Ruth gives us the heart of Boaz’s significance. Ruth was a Moabite widow who returned to Bethlehem with her mother-in-law Naomi. As a foreigner and widow, Ruth was vulnerable and marginalized. Yet Boaz, a wealthy landowner, noticed her faithfulness and treated her with kindness and dignity.
Eventually, Boaz stepped in as Ruth’s kinsman-redeemer—a relative with the responsibility to care for widows and preserve family lines. He not only married Ruth but also secured her future and Naomi’s as well. Their son, Obed, became the grandfather of King David.
Boaz’s role as a redeemer makes his inclusion in Jesus’ genealogy deeply symbolic. Just as Boaz redeemed Ruth, Jesus redeems us. Boaz foreshadows the greater Redeemer who would one day come through his line.
3. Boaz as a Model of Godly Character
Boaz wasn’t just a wealthy man—he was a man of character. The Bible describes him as a man of noble standing (Ruth 2:1). His actions throughout the book of Ruth reveal qualities that point us to Christ:
- Compassion: He provided for Ruth generously, ensuring she had food and protection.
- Integrity: He followed the proper process for redemption, even giving another relative the opportunity first (Ruth 4:1–6).
- Faithfulness: He upheld God’s law and cared for his family’s name and legacy.
By including Boaz, Matthew isn’t just recording history. He’s reminding us that Jesus’ family line includes men of faith whose lives reflected God’s character.
4. Why Boaz’s Inclusion Matters in Jesus’ Genealogy
So why does Matthew go out of his way to highlight Boaz in Matthew 1:5? There are several reasons:
- Boaz links Rahab and Ruth together. His life shows God’s faithfulness from one generation to the next.
- Boaz represents redemption. His role as kinsman-redeemer points forward to Jesus’ ultimate redemption of humanity.
- Boaz shows that kindness and faith matter. His character sets a precedent for the type of kingdom Jesus would bring.
- Boaz connects directly to David’s line. Through Obed, Boaz becomes part of the royal lineage that leads to the Messiah.
5. A Personal Reflection
When I first really paid attention to Boaz’s story, I was struck by how ordinary his kindness seemed—and yet how extraordinary its impact was. He didn’t perform miracles or lead armies. He simply acted with integrity, treated others with compassion, and obeyed God faithfully. And through that, God wove him into the greatest story of all.
That challenged me personally. Sometimes I think I need to do something spectacular to be part of God’s plan. But Boaz reminds me—and maybe you too—that simple faithfulness matters. Loving people well, doing the right thing even when no one’s watching, and living with integrity are all ways God uses us. You may never know the ripple effects of your obedience.
6. Lessons We Learn from Boaz
Boaz’s life offers timeless lessons that are just as relevant for us today:
- Redemption is at the heart of God’s plan. Just as Boaz redeemed Ruth, Jesus redeems us from sin and restores our future.
- God uses ordinary faithfulness. Boaz’s daily acts of kindness became part of the Messiah’s story.
- Outsiders belong in God’s family. By marrying Ruth, Boaz showed that God’s plan includes all nations.
- Generational faithfulness matters. The faith Rahab modeled influenced Boaz, who then became part of Jesus’ line.
7. Key Takeaways
To keep it clear, here’s why Boaz is included in Jesus’ genealogy in Matthew 1:5:
- He was the son of Rahab, connecting God’s redemption across generations.
- He redeemed Ruth, embodying the role of a kinsman-redeemer.
- His marriage to Ruth produced Obed, grandfather of King David.
- His character of kindness, integrity, and faith points us to Christ.
- He foreshadows Jesus, the ultimate Redeemer who brings salvation.
Conclusion
Boaz’s inclusion in Jesus’ genealogy isn’t just a historical detail—it’s a declaration of God’s grace and redemption at work. Through Rahab’s faith, Ruth’s loyalty, and Boaz’s integrity, God wove together a story that led directly to the Messiah.
When you see Boaz’s name in Matthew 1:5, remember this: Jesus came from a line that included ordinary people who trusted God and lived with faithfulness. Boaz’s story points you to the Redeemer who came not only to preserve a family line but to save the world.
And here’s the good news—you don’t have to be extraordinary to be part of God’s plan. Like Boaz, your faithfulness and obedience can leave a legacy that points others to Christ.
FAQs: Why Is Boaz Included in Jesus’ Genealogy in Matthew 1:5?
1. Why is Boaz included in Jesus’ genealogy in Matthew 1:5?
Boaz is included because his life and role as a kinsman-redeemer foreshadow Jesus’ ultimate redemption. Through his marriage to Ruth, he became the great-grandfather of King David, directly linking him to the Messiah’s line.
2. Who were Boaz’s parents according to Matthew 1:5?
Matthew 1:5 tells us that Boaz’s mother was Rahab, the Canaanite woman from Jericho who believed in God and was welcomed into Israel. This shows God’s grace working across generations.
3. How does Boaz’s marriage to Ruth matter in Jesus’ genealogy?
Boaz married Ruth, a Moabite widow, redeeming her and securing her family line. Their son Obed became the grandfather of King David, placing Ruth and Boaz directly in the lineage of Jesus.
4. What does Boaz represent in Jesus’ ancestry?
Boaz represents faithfulness, kindness, and redemption. His role as a redeemer points to Jesus, who redeems humanity from sin.
5. How does Boaz foreshadow Jesus?
Boaz foreshadows Jesus by acting as a redeemer for Ruth. Just as Boaz rescued Ruth from poverty and loss, Jesus rescues us from sin and restores our relationship with God.
6. Why does Matthew emphasize Boaz in the genealogy?
Matthew highlights Boaz to show how God’s plan of salvation included people of character and faith. His story demonstrates redemption, inclusion of outsiders, and God’s faithfulness through generations.
7. What qualities of Boaz point to Christ?
Boaz showed compassion, integrity, and faithfulness. These qualities mirror Jesus’ own character as a Redeemer who loves, protects, and saves.
8. How does Boaz’s story teach us about God’s grace?
Boaz’s story shows that God uses ordinary people acting in faith and kindness to accomplish extraordinary purposes. His marriage to Ruth reminds us that God’s grace extends to outsiders and the marginalized.
9. What lesson can Christians learn from Boaz’s inclusion in Jesus’ genealogy?
We learn that faithfulness in ordinary life matters. Like Boaz, we can reflect God’s love through integrity, kindness, and obedience, leaving a legacy that points others to Christ.
10. What is the main message of Boaz’s presence in Matthew 1:5?
The main message is that Jesus’ genealogy includes examples of redemption and faith. Boaz stands out as a redeemer whose life points to the greater Redeemer, Jesus Christ.
